Concordia was one of six college offers for Smith, a 5-foot-6 senior who was a first-team All-West Catholic Athletic League selection.

Smith averaged more than 10 points per game but more important was the team’s defensive stopper, often guarding the opponent’s top player no matter the height differential.

She was considered the squad’s heart-and-soul. “She has a constant motor,” is how LyRyan Russell described Smith earlier in the year. “She plays tough defense, gets tough rebounds. She’s just a good all-around player.”

She’ll get to show that at Concordia next season. Last season the team went 11-17 overall and 5-13 in conference play.